Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma of the Lower Abdominal Wall Reconstructed with an Anterolateral Thigh Flap-A Case Report

Abstract

The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap was first reported by Song et al, in 1984. It has been used to reconstruct a wide range of defects. It has a strong fascia, a wide cutaneous territory and can be harvested with a muscle or fascia component. However this flap has rarely been used to reconstruct abdominal wall defects. We present a case of a 43-year-old man with malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH), of the lower abdominal wall and the left inguinal area who underwent wide excision and lymph node clearance. Reconstruction was performed with a pedicled ALT musculocutaneous flap with fascia lata included. The strong fascia lata was used to repair the abdominal wall; the muscle was used in an attempt to decrease the possible complication of lymphorrea and lymphedema, as well as to protect the exposed femoral vessels. This case reminds us that pedicled ALT flap is just as versatile and useful as its free flap counterpart.